Smithfield man dies in collision near Vermont

A 48-year-old Smithfield man died in a two-car collision near Vermont Monday evening, according to the Illinois State Police.

By Daily Ledger staff

A 48-year-old Smithfield man died in a two-car collision near Vermont Monday evening, according to the Illinois State Police.

David S. Jones was headed eastbound on Co. Rd. 35 in a 1995 Ford Escort around 6:50 p.m. when he apparently failed to stop at the intersection of 35 and Co. Rd. 13. The escort crossed into the path of a 2003 Mercedes Benz, driven by 61-year-old James B. Frick of Colchester, headed south on Co. Rd. 13.

The Mercedes struck the Ford in the driver side door, and due to the impact, both vehicles skidded southeast into a bean field. Jones was killed in the in collision.

According to the ISP, Jones was not wearing a seatbelt, and investigation led authorities to believe that he was using a cell phone at the time of the collision.

Both Frick and Mercedes passenger Lana J. Frick, of Colchester, were transported to McDonough District Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and have since been released. They were both wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

No charges are pending. Responding agencies include the ISP, the Fulton County Sheriff's Department, Fulton County Coroner's Office, Fulton County EMS and Vermont Fire Department.